Timeline
1801:
Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated as president of the United States and expressed his refusal of continuing to pay the tribute to the Barbary pirates.
In May, Tripoli declared war on the United States. Even though there was not an official declaration of war from the United States, Jefferson sent out a naval squadron to handle situation along with the pirates. The United States Navy created blockades in Tripoli and captured some pirates as well.
1803:
The naval blockade of the Tripoli harbor was commenced by Thomas Jefferson. The USS Philadelphia was captured by the pirates along with its captain and crew.
Commodore Edward Preble’s involvement along with his aggressive action helped force Morocco out of the war. He was also able to restore order in the Mediterranean while in command of his fleet.
1804:
In February, the USS Philadelphia was recaptured by Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, was burned, and then sank.
1805:
William Eaton was the commander of the attack on Derna and was successful in this first American victory on foreign soil.
A treaty was made that officially ended the first Barbary war, which will enforce the Barbary pirates to respect America's trade by not attacking or collecting tribute.
1815:
After the war of 1812, the United States had to pay tribute once again. The United States' Navy took aggressive action against Algiers after it had declared war on America. Stephen Decatur and William Bainbridge commanded a naval fleet of 10 ships that captured Algerian ships. They forced Algiers and Tunis to sign a treaty which ended all tribute payments and Barbary piracy.